Here you will find information specifically for Rooming House Operators.

This includes infomation about:

How to register a Rooming House

A Rooming Houseis a property where one or more rooms are available for rent to 4 or more people. Each tenant pays individual rent for their room, has their own lease agreement and shares communal facilities with other tenants.

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act (PHW 2009) requires Rooming House Operators to register their property with Council before it can be occupied. Unregistered Rooming Houses are illegal, and notification of any in operation are reported to Council.

To register your Rooming House you must:

Contact Council to get registration guidelines and book a property inspection

Once you have completed the registration process, your property will appear on the Public Register of Rooming Houses and you will be able to advertise it on the Deakin Houseme site. Rooming House registration is required and enforced by Council, not the University. If you have any further questions about becoming registered, please contact your nearest Council.

Utilities, Internet and Furnishings

The Residential Tenancy Act states that you can only charge individual tenants separately for utilities such as electricity, gas and water if the facilities are separately metered. In most cases, a Rooming House will have one meter for water gas and electricity, rather than a meter per room. This means the Rooming House Operators responsible for paying for these utilities, and should factor this into weekly rent rates.

Internet does not have to be included in the weekly rent rate, however most student will choose a property that does have internet included as it is easier for them to budget for.

There is not requirement to furnish the individual rooming in a property, however as most students move quite a distance to attend university, they will look for properties that are furnished so they don’t have to source these items themselves. Common room furnishings include a bed, desk and chair and build-in or free standing robe.

House Rules

Some Rooming House Operators choose to have a set of house rules, which established the rules all occupants must follow. There is no legal obligation to have house rules, however having them gives occupants and operators clear guidance on how the rooming house operates, and can be use in VCAT hearings in necessary.

The house rules should be accepted by the occupant and Rooming House Operator prior to moving into the property. They should also be displayed in the property for all occupants to refer back to.

House Rules usually include a summary of occupants legal rights and duties

Rent payment e.g. the regularity and method (not amount this is outline in the lease)

Room inspections e.g. how often and when will notice be given, make sure you are within your rights according to Consumer Affairs Victoria

Rights and Responsibilities

Rooming house accommodation is covered by the Residential Tenancy Act. This means you have legal requirements as an Operator. Find out about your rights and responsibilities as a Rooming House Operator online at Consumer Affairs Victoria.

For Providers

We have been notified by a number of people who have been contacted by scammers recently.

We advise that you do not make any agreements or send or accept payments with anyone you have not met in person. Please click on the 'Avoiding Accommodation Scams' link from the menus to the left for more information.